House OKs bill to require proof of immunization

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Legislation that would require incoming students at public higher education institutions to show proof of immunization against meningitis is headed to the governor for his consideration.

The measure sponsored by Democratic House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh of Jackson passed the House 94-1 on Thursday. The companion bill unanimously passed the Senate 30-0 earlier this month.

The bill is named after Jacob Nunley, a Middle Tennessee State University freshman who died last year less than 24 hours after contracting meningococcal meningitis, a bacterial infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

The disease can be spread through such contact as sharing drink bottles. Ten percent of people who contract the disease die -- sometimes within 24 hours.